Author: Mark

Mark is an architect in San Francisco.

My trip to Ohio

Exterminator’s Window While I probably have more to say about my weekend trip to Ohio than what is summed up in this photo, I found it very amusing that these exterminators thought it would be good marketing to make a display of stuffed animals having a picnic. Exactly the same types of animals they specialize… Continue reading My trip to Ohio

Across an Inland Sea: reading a book that starts in the place you know best

Update: I am deeply saddened to have discovered that Nicholas Howe died of Leukemia nearly two years ago. I guess I won’t be meeting him any time soon after all. I just finished a great book that I stumbled upon by accident while browsing at William Stout Architectural Books last weekend. It’s by UC Berkeley… Continue reading Across an Inland Sea: reading a book that starts in the place you know best

Rite Aid Beverly Hills

Rite Aid Beverly Hills, at night. Yes, that’s right (or should I say “Rite”). Not only is there a Rite Aid in Beverly Hills, they actually call it “Rite Aid Beverly Hills” with “Beverly Hills” written in script on the sign as if it were a Bentley dealer or Cartier. Upon going into the store,… Continue reading Rite Aid Beverly Hills

Topiary Dinosaurs & The Museum of Jurassic Technology

Santa Monica Topiary Dinosaurs, proudly guarding the Promenade. Yes, even Los Angeles has dinosaurs. Of course, they are made out of shrubs and shoot water from their mouths while people casually eat frozen yogurt and shop at an outdoor mall. This is one of the many highlights of last weekend’s trip. Another highlight of the… Continue reading Topiary Dinosaurs & The Museum of Jurassic Technology

Governor Schwarzenegger Opens a new Overpass

Okay, I admit I’m posting this a bit late. I have been really busy and we actually had some hot weather for the first time in about a year last weekend, so I haven’t been blogging. Last week, Caltrans (the California department of transportation) threw a festive gathering in front of my office to celebrate… Continue reading Governor Schwarzenegger Opens a new Overpass

The Olympic Torch meets the Bay Quackers Bus in San Francisco

As you may be able to see in this blurry photo I borrowed from the CNN website (and they apparently got it from the local KRON4 helicopter) the infamous Olympic Torch struggled to make its way through San Francisco today. While thousands of people on all sides of the China issue were gathered at the… Continue reading The Olympic Torch meets the Bay Quackers Bus in San Francisco

A Rugged Plant for Men

A Rugged Plant for Men, from Better Homes & Gardens. In 1959, Better Homes and Gardens published a book titled “House Plants.” I didn’t discover this book until this afternoon. I don’t know how I made it this far without it. I had previously underestimated the influence of proper houseplant selection on proving one’s own… Continue reading A Rugged Plant for Men

Warning signs: reasons to stay inside

Mountain Lion/Rattlesnake warning at Mt. Tamalpais State Park When venturing into the outdoors, there is always a certain amount of risk involved. I think people used to take that for granted. The State of California (probably because they don’t want to be held liable) recognized that people probably aren’t as savy as they used to… Continue reading Warning signs: reasons to stay inside